Mary Catherine Peeples Hitchins, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, March 24, 2016. She was 87. She was born in Eupora, MS on July 11, 1928 to Arthur Ruel and Lula Dee Shelton Peeples. Mrs. Hitchins spent her childhood on Sunflower Plantation near Merigold, MS and later resided in Greenwood, MS until her death.

Mrs. Hitchins worked at American Telephone and Telegraph Company, Iva's Flowers and Gifts, and later at J. C Penney Company, where she retired after 23 years of service. She was a member of Telephone Pioneers of America and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. Mrs. Hitchins was a communicant of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where she served as a member of the Altar Society, hospitality minister, and minister to the sick.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Harry F. "Red" Hitchins, a daughter, Mary Frances Hitchins, her parents, her brothers, David P. Peeples, Edward C. Peeples, and a sister, Annie Mae Peeples Cato. Mrs. Hitchins is survived by two sons, Arthur M. "Artie" Hitchins of Houston, Texas and Harry Stafford "Butch" Hitchins of Brandon, MS. She is survived by three grandchildren, Madison Frances "Maddie" Hitchins, Katherine Elizabeth "Katie" Hitchins, and Abigail Dee Ann "Abbie" Hitchins, all of Houston, TX. In addition, Mrs. Hitchins is survived by one sister, Maxine Peeples "Mackie" Shepherd of Merigold, and a sister-in-law, Mary Frank Hitchins of Jackson, MS and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 28 at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the church from 12 noon until the time of the funeral. The Reverend Adam Szufel, O.F.M., will officiate at the services. Serving as pallbearers are Nick Joseph, Tommy Moffett, Paul Correro, Charles Wright, Justin Nicholson, and Wayne Pittman,. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Henry Flautt, Knox James, Mrs. Julia Collier, Lee Abraham, Sam Abraham, Magdalene Abraham, and Bob and Sandra Abraham Briggs. In addition, the family wishes to give special recognition to the love and care provided by Mrs. Lou Jordan, Mrs. Georgia Tate, and Mrs. Bernelia Stamps.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950 or Locus Benedictus, P. O. Box 9791, Greenwood, MS 38930.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wilson and Knight Funeral Home, 910 Hwy. 82 West, Greenwood, MS 38930. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery at 1635 Carrollton Avenue. You may visit our online guest book at www.wilsonandknight.com.